The Teaching Lounge
I seldom go in the teacher lounge at school, except to grab my lunch from the refrigerator or heat my tea. The TWT community has become my teacher lounge. Actually, I think teaching lounge or learning lounge would be a more accurate label. I have the opportunity to learn new teaching ideas and hear stories about children. I can find out about the personal challenges and triumphs that TWT members are experiencing and offer heartfelt words of support or congratulations. I have grown to respect and trust the opinions and thinking of TWT members. Sometimes I find myself wishing I could plan lessons and co-teach with fellow bloggers. Did that sound stalker-ish? I hope not.
One of the things about online communities is that you find a place that fits for you, as opposed to being forced into a situation and making it work.
ReplyDeleteBut, don't forget the importance of connections with folks in your world. Maybe a foot in the lounge now and then is a good idea.
Kevin
I think you are probably right, Kevin. Maybe I should poke my nose in more, but as a literacy coach, I respect that sometimes classroom teachers need a safe place to vent, maybe even about me. And right now, when all the teachers are about to receive pink slips, the lounge can be a very depressing place. I don't want to dwell on what I don't have control over.
ReplyDeleteI used to avoid the teacher's room too. I heard too many things I did not like. I would walk with a friend during lunch and then grab a bite to eat in my room. For the two years I did this, I noticed my team was a bit standoffish with me. This year I succumbed and have actually found myself laughing with them. I feel more accepted now. Like you, I like going out and finding a PLC of my own but I now know it is my responsibility to work harder with the one I have at school.
ReplyDeleteDiana
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about the TWT community--I have found wonderful ideas in reading the posts of others. I also understand your point about the lounge. It is a place to vent--it can also be a toxic place. The colleagues that I connect most with find other places to meet. We're not trying to be elitists, but you have to find those people who believe in education as you do!
Happy Writing
Deb
This post comes at such an interesting moment for me. I just had a conversation this morning about how I think it is my participation in communities like the TWT slicers that make me recognize there are like-minded people out there for me. I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting that for ourselves in our work worlds. In fact, I finally feel like I know what it is I have been missing in my professional life.
ReplyDeleteME too Wanda, but how about taking up the challenge to make some new connections there. Selective...
ReplyDeleteBonnie
I think that having both is necessary - you cannot have a relationship with your colleagues if you "hide" in your room (which is what I did) - but the online community is vital, too. Each enriches my teaching inits own way.
ReplyDeleteIs it a place you could share some things with the staff? Lately I've contributed new (but used) books for adults to read, enjoy, contribute to, & exchange. Sometimes people eat & relax there; sometimes not, but collegiality happens when people eat together. Sorry that you feel uncomfortable, but if people have some gripes about anyone-students, administration, colleagues- they should do it in a more private place, not the lounge.
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of you having lunch while reading our posts. It is indeed a place of learning and discovery for me. I often find myself laughing out loud, sharing stories with my husband or re-quoting bits with coworkers. I am glad we can be a positive place during a difficult time.
Have a great weekend,
Erin
There is a lot to consider on both sides of the issue you raise, and striking a balance can be difficult. I talked recently with a colleague who mentioned that it felt to her that when a couple people who had avoided the lounge started coming in more often, the tone shifted and was more often positive or supportive than negative.
ReplyDeleteI totally love the idea of TWT community being the teacher's lounge. This month, I have been taking part of my lunch to read through a few posts. It is very uplifting.
ReplyDeleteTo be or not to be ...in the staff room...that is the question I ask myself off and on. For the past two years, my lunch hasn't coincided with anyone else so I'm often eating in my classroom. I think there is something about being "present" for other staff members but I totally get the part about a place to vent! These two years away have actually made me feel pretty disconnected, I wish my lunch break would change.
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty too! I stay away from the teacher's lounge as well because of the negativity and complaining. I'm sure it's not like that every day, but I'd rather be spending time learning from the TWT community too!
Well said! I could see myself stalking right next to you! :) Michelle
The beauty of the Internet is that it brings people together from all over the world. I think that it is possible to collaborate with other bloggers from our TWT community! If you have any interesting ideas, I'm always up for meeting teachers to collaborate with! It would be cool to do the same writing lesson like poetry with a fifth grade class at your school and then have the students share their writing with each other through a blog or e-mail. Some food for thought! : )
ReplyDelete--Jee Young